Share

Sponsor

Photo: Contributed

Fundraising for the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge includes $100 donations that qualify for name-engraved bricks. The deadline to donate is July 15.

The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge, a pedestrian pathway spanning the river between Topsham and Brunswick, was built in 1892 by the John A. Roebling Sons' Co., and is on the National Register of Historic places, according to saveourswingingbridge.org.

Maintenance costs for the bridge, which was refurbished ion 2006, come from an annual 5k run and appeal, as well as $100 donations that qualify for name-engraved bricks. The deadline to donate, which is usually April 30, has been extended this year to July 15.

Necessary repairs include tightening one of the original Roebling cables on the Topsham side of the bridge. Re-seating of the cable will cost about $20,000, according to the organization.

The footbridge was built so that that residents of the then-new Topsham Heights development could walk directly and safely to the Cabot cotton mill in Brunswick, where they worked. Construction cost about $2,000.

The year after the bridge was refurbished, park-like entrances were established at the ends of the structure.